Sylvester Williams, the Broncos’ first round pick in this past April’s draft, took part in his first training camp practice Thursday night — a 90-minute walk-through at the Broncos’ Dove Valley complex.

Williams signed a four-year, $7.6 million contract earlier Thursday, a deal that includes $6.1 million guaranteed. It also became a remember-when moment in a long, winding journey to the NFL for Williams that included time on the assembly line at Modine Manufacturing building parts for truck radiators and walking on to the football team in junior college.

“Most of my family, they cried because it is a life-changing moment for us,’’ Williams said following the practice. “The biggest thing I can say is I’ve been given the money now I have to earn it … (I’m a) long way from the factory … When I signed the contract, I thought about the factory. When I was back at home I drove by the factory just to see where it all started.’’

The 6-foot-2, 313-pound Williams will take part in his first full practice Friday morning and is expected to begin his time with the second-team defense. The Broncos expect him to push for time with the defensive starters who could play, early on, in passing situations.

“I just want to impress my teammates and my coaches,’’ Williams said. “ … I just want to impress the people who brought me here, the people who believed in me enough to draft me in the first round.’’

And when asked what his first purchase might be with his new deal in hand, Williams said;

“I’m not a flashy person so I can say the biggest thing for me is I just want to make sure my father is OK. I mean I’ve got vehicle right now that runs good so I’m satisified with my life right now. Just make sure my father’s straight and put my money away and see how far this football thing can take me.”